SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY

Utah water supply: Scientists say reservoirs healthy, worry about groundwater

Aug 4, 2020, 6:42 AM

utah runoff snowpack utah water drought...

Geoff Liesik, Deseret News FILE - A view of Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

SALT LAKE CITY – With Utah experiencing several 100 degree plus days recently, Utahns have been turning on the tap for a cool drink of water or using more than normal to keep their lawns green. 

How has this increased use affected the state’s water supply? 

While it’s too soon to say for sure just how much reservoirs will be affected, Glen Merrill with the National Weather Service says many, like those in the Weber River basin area, are 80% full and doing well for this time of year. 

But with very little rainfall in the spring, the runoff that usually feeds the state’s groundwater took a hit. 

“The spring was so dry, and we warmed up so quickly in the spring, that the efficiency of the runoff wasn’t as good as it normally is. Even though we were near normal with snow, we saw the runoff more like 70-80% of normal,” Merrill said. 

And although it’s unlikely the situation will get better soon, Merrill is holding out hope. 

“Even if we go and have more precipitation, more showers and thunderstorms in August and September like we usually do, that’s really not going to have much of an impact on the reservoir levels. It’ll just aid with soil conditions,” Merrill said. 

In the meantime, he is asking people in Utah to conserve as much water as they can. 

“We’re putting a lot of demand on the system now, and we’re hoping we’re going to have a better snow melt-runoff season next year. Because if we have multiple years like this in a row, that’s when things really start falling behind,” Merrill said.   

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Science + Technology

Linda Yaccarino, here in 2022, is leaving NBCUniversal amid reports that Elon Musk has selected her...

Chris Isidore

Elon Musk names NBCU ad chief Linda Yaccarino as Twitter CEO

 (CNN) — Elon Musk on Friday named longtime media executive Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter, months after he promised to step back from the role. “I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!” Musk wrote in a tweet on Friday. He said she “will focus primarily on business operations, […]

11 months ago

twitter building shown, a new ceo will replace elon musk...

Chris Isidore, CNN

Twitter’s new CEO is an NBCUniversal executive with deep ad industry ties

Elon Musk confirmed that the new CEO for Twitter will be NBCUniversal’s Linda Yaccarino, an executive with deep ties to the advertising industry. “I am excited to welcome Linda Yaccarino as the new CEO of Twitter!” Musk wrote in a Friday tweet. He added that Yaccarino “will focus primarily on business operations” while Musk will […]

11 months ago

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, Calif., Wednesday, May 10...

MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer

Google is giving its dominant search engine an artificial-intelligence makeover

Google has disclosed plans to infuse its dominant search engine with more advanced artificial-intelligence technology.

11 months ago

Multiple facial features are placed together to create a face -- AI is being used to impersonate pe...

Curt Gresseth

How to spot a fake when AI is used in kidnapping and extortion schemes

Artificial intelligence has found its way into science, education, social media and much more. Now, AI has made its way into scams.

11 months ago

A giant A and I are pictured -- would an AI chatbot replace human interaction?...

Samantha Herrera

Combatting loneliness with AI? It may be a slippery slope

As AI technology continues getting more and more sophisticated, there's a concern that something like a chatbot could replace real social interaction.

11 months ago

tiktok logo is shown, kids' social media use is under scrutiny from health officials...

Peter Johnston

APA urges adults to limit kids’ social media use

Kids' social media use should not be without guidance and oversight from parents, an advisory from the American Psychological Association said.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Utah water supply: Scientists say reservoirs healthy, worry about groundwater